Battle Creek Falls Hike

Trail Head GPS: 40.363, -111.70082 

Located in Pleasant Grove, Utah, this easy and fun hike is perfect to take the family or young scout groups on.  The trail head is located next to the Kiwanis park at the end of E 200 S.  There is a large dirt parking lot where the road ends.  The trail is well groomed and very wide for those larger groups that explore this awesome hike.

As you near the waterfall you will start to hear and see it through the trees.  At this point of the trail you will also notice that the elevation of the trail will incline quickly.  Total elevation change on this hike is roughly 375 feet. But don't worry, the hike is downhill the whole way out and will pass quickly as you walk back to your car.

Watch the little ones around the top of the waterfall if you choose to make the climb up to the top as it is a tall drop off.  Continuing on this trail will eventually lead to multiple other hikes that lead you through the Mt. Timpanogos area.

Battle Creek Falls

Red Reef Hike

With waterfalls, swimming holes, and ancient pictographs, it’s no surprise that the Red Reef Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the St. George area.

At just 1.5 miles round trip, this trail is excellent for everyone in the family, including children and beginners.

Trailhead

The Red Reef Trail begins near Campsite 2 in the Red Cliffs Campground, just before the road crosses Quail Creek in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Red Cliffs is located about 15 miles northeast of St. George.

Directions from St. George

Take Exit 22 off of I-15.
Turn south onto Old Highway 91 and continue south for about 2 miles.
Turn right at the signed junction for Red Cliffs Recreation Area.
Continue under the freeway then turn left and follow the road into the Red Cliffs Campground.
Directions from the North

Take Exit 23 from I-15.
Turn left off the exit, then right onto Main Street/Old Highway 91.
Continue south for 3.5 miles to the signed junction on the right.
Continue under the freeway then turn left and follow the road into the Red Cliffs Campground.
Parking at the trailhead requires a $5 day use fee per vehicle. Parking spaces are very limited, making access difficult on busy weekends. The BLM may even turn cars away during peak usage due to lack of parking.

NOTE: The freeway underpass used to access Red Cliffs will not accommodate vehicles taller than 11’9”.

The Hike

The Red Reef Trail begins by traversing a sagebrush-covered bench above Quail Creek before dropping down to the watercourse. The trail follows the creek for a short distance before a well-worn path appears on the left. This leads to the upper falls and moki steps, but it is worth following the stream another 150 yards to the base of the lower pools and waterfall (37.228237,-113.410511).

Beyond the lower falls, keep an eye out for a large alcove on the right (37.229305,-113.410987). Most hikers pass by this, but it makes a great side trip if you have the time. This alcove, likely once used by ancient Native Americans, contains at least two pictographs. Appreciate the rock art without touching it so that it can be preserved for future generations. Do not add to graffiti on the walls.

The canyon narrows just beyond the alcove. Those trying to keep their feet dry might have a tough time as the trail approaches a few more pools and small waterfalls. Just to the right of the upper falls there are deep steps cut into the rock face that are commonly known as moki steps. You can use the moki steps to access the more difficult sections of the canyon above, but for most, this is the turnaround point of the family friendly section of the Red Reef Trail.

Relax at the pools and enjoy the scenery before returning the way you came. Round trip mileage is approximately 1.5 miles.

Rules and Regulations

A day use fee of $5 per vehicle is required. Pay fees at the self-pay station near the entrance to the campground. You may use Federal Inter-agency Annual, Access, and Senior Passes for day use fees. Stop by the self-pay station for more information. 
All pets must be on leash no longer than 6 feet.
No littering.
Pack out what you pack in.
Special Considerations

Quail Creek has high potential for flash flooding. Do not enter the canyon if it is raining, if the creek is flowing swiftly, or if there is a high chance of precipitation. If you notice a sudden change in water clarity or flow, seek higher ground.
The depth of the pools can vary, especially after flood events. Never jump into a pool without first verifying depth.
         

Area: Red Cliffs
Nearest Town: Washington, UT
Difficulty: Easy*
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Dog Friendly: Yes, leashes required
Optimum Season: Year round
Latitude: 37.224395
Longitude: -113.406284
Usage: Heavy

Credits

This trail guide  by Backcountry Post.

Rock Canyon Trail

Rock Canyon

Lower Calf Creek Falls

Trail Head GPS:37.793607, -111.415004

This in n' out 5 mile hike is one that you will remember forever. Wonderful hike for the whole family to take. The entire trail is sand which will slow your pace down, but children 5+ should not have too many issues. Remember, your legs are just a bit longer than the kids so don't rush too fast.  Along the trail there are 14 markers / information stops (Points of interest include; Fremont Indian granaries, petroglyphs, and wildlife).  These work great to gauge your distance as number 14 is the end of the trail where it meets the Lower Falls. The hike, for the most part, follows Calf Creek through a beautiful red rock canyon.  At the end of the trail is the 126 foot Lower Calf Creek waterfall.  The pool is roughly 10-15 feet at it's deepest point and the water feels like one degree above freezing when you first jump in. Pack a lunch and relax on the beach in the middle of a canyon in Escalante, UT.


Parking: Just off of highway 12 near Escalante, UT. The trailhead is located within Calf Creek Campground. Day use parking is $5.00 and overnight camping is $15.00/day. The trail is very popular and parking can become an issue during holidays.  Best to start this hike early morning so you beat the heat and the rush of other hikers.



 

Willis Creek Hike

GPS: 37.4835815,-112.0969226

Great hike to take the family on. My 4 year old was able to walk 95% of the trail.  There are a couple of spots where the trail is going up and downhill, but for most of the hike, the trail is very easy as it goes along the creek.  At about the 1 mile mark there is a small waterfall that the kids enjoyed.  Great stopping point for a photo, lunch, or nap in the shade.  Along the trail you will have the privilege of walking through three different sections of slot canyons. Take extra precautions during flash flood season, especially through the narrows.  There are no restrooms and no source of clean water.  Remember to always "Be Prepared".

Directions to the Trailhead:
Directions: East Zion to Staircase
From Salt Lake City, travel south on I15 to U-20. Exit on U-20. Turn south on U-89 and follow U-89 to Glendale.

From Las Vegas: Travel I15 to exit 16. Follow U-9 to the south entrance of Zion and through to the east entrance. Take U-9 for 12 miles to Mt. Carmel Jct, where U-89 and U-9 meet. Drive north on U-89 to Glendale.

From Glendale, turn right on 300 N. (Bench Road) Follow the graded dirt road, Skutumpah, into the Grand Staircase. Remember the Grand Staircase is a wild and remote place. The dirt roads may be impassible when wet and there is usually no water, services or cell phone access. Skutumpah is a backway and should only be traveled in dry conditions. Call for road and weather information before travel: 435.644.4680


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Pictures

Make A Pants Pack

This post comes from the 10th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook. (my book that I used as a scout)

The pants pack is a very simple day pack to make while hiking.

1. Close the snap and zipper of the pants
2. Using 1 foot of cord, tie off the cuff of the left leg. bend the pant leg at the knee. with the extra cord, tie the cuff to the first left belt loop.
3. Repeat step 2 for the right leg.
4. Using about 3 feet of cord, thread through all belt loops. You will use this to cinch the opening of your newly formed pack.
5. Load with your gear and lunch and close the top with the drawstring
6. Slip your arms through the pant legs and enjoy your hike.

page 167 of the 10th edition of the Boy Scout Handbook

Hike to the Y

Great day hike. From 900 East in Provo turn onto 820 North.  The road will veer to the left and turn into Oakmont Ln. Turn right onto Oak Cliff Dr.  and finally a right turn onto Terrace Dr.  There is plenty of parking and a restroom just north of the Trailhead. The trail is well groomed and is a great workout as you take the switchbacks up 1.4 miles.  There are benches on the corner of each switchback if you feel like you need a rest. If taking younger ones, keep a close eye on them at the top of the Y.  The Y is smooth and steep and would cause some damage if you or your Cub Scout slipped and fell.  The trail is well traveled and very busy on Saturdays. 

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Week Long Grandaddy Basin Camp

 
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Submit Your Hiking Trails

Cub Scout Sports Pin - Hiking

Earn the Hiking belt loop and complete five of the following requirements:

1. Make a chart and record at least five hours of hiking.
2. Help plan a den, pack, or family hike.
3. Earn Cub Scouting’s Leave No Trace Awareness Award.
4. Earn the Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award.
5. Learn seven trail signs and tell your den leader or adult partner what they are.
6. Be able to identify five different trees and five different birds on your hike. (These can be of the same species if multiple species are hard to find.)
7. Using pictures or photographs, identify three poisonous plants. (Examples are poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak; oleander, etc.). Watch for these plants while on a hike.
8. Take two different hikes for different purposes, for example, a nature hike, neighborhood hike, historical hike, city hike, stop-look-and-listen hike, and so on.
9. Explain to your den leader or adult partner what a compass is and show how to use one on a hike.
10. Explain to your den leader or adult partner what a global positioning system is and demonstrate how to use one on a hike.
11. With visuals such as pictures or maps, report about one of your hikes to your den. Tell about how you prepared for your hike, who went with you, and what you saw.

Cub Scouts Sports Belt Loop - Hiking

Complete these three requirements:

1. Explain the hiking safety rules to your den leader or adult partner. Practice these rules while on a hike.
• Hiking Safety
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Never hike alone or at night; use the buddy system.
• Dress properly for the weather and environment.
• Wear sun and insect protection
• Take an extra pair of socks in case you need to change.
• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Avoid hiking along roadways.
• Stay on the trail.
• Be alert to your surroundings.
• Don't litter as you hike.
• Be alert to dangerous animals, insects, and plants. Never touch a wild animal.
• Take 1 pint of water for each hour you will be hiking. Never drink untreated water.
• Understand how "The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety" would apply to the hiking situation.
2. Demonstrate proper hiking attire and equipment.
3. Hike at least 30 minutes with your adult partner, family, or den.

Types of Sleeping Bags

A sleeping bag is basically a blanket that you can close yourself in (usually with a zipper). It functions as your bed when you are camping. The sleeping bags primary purpose is to provide you with warmth and protection from the elements. Sleeping under the stars can be wonderful if the weather cooperates, we recommend that you use a tent along with your sleeping bag (unless you plan on using a bivy for your sleeping bag while backpacking).

Temperature Ratings:

Leave No Trace

Req #2 - Second Class

As Scouts we must always take care of our natural resources.  One simple rule that I have for my Boy Scouts is that we make our campsite cleaner and better than we found it.  Doing this will preserve the natural beauty of where we camp.  Raise your hand if you want to camp in a spot that is full of trash and where people have not properly burried their human waste... not I!  Use these simple bullet points as reminders of how to Leave No Trace in the wilderness.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly (Pack It In, Pack It Out)
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Trail Mix Recipe

Trail mix is a great energy snack for when you hit the trails.  The following is one of my favorite mixtures.

• 1 Cup Peanuts
• 1 Cup Almonds
• 1 Cup Cashews
• 2 Cups M&M's
• Shake it all together in a gallon zip lock bag

Get out and hike this weekend and enjoy the crisp mountain air and fall color that is starting to pop up.

Recipes

Mt. Timpanogos via Aspen Grove

Awesome overnight campout!  this trail will make you work.


We arrived at the trail head around 6:30pm and started our assent to the top.  At the trailhead there is a drinking fountain with fresh, cold water... fill everything that you can.  Starting in the evening has it's advantages; The sun is on the other side of the mountain making it a lot cooler to hike in, and it makes for a great stopping point at 10:30 to campout overnight at Emerald Lake.  Round Trip for this hike is a little over 14 miles.  We left Emerald Lake around 4:30 am to make it to the top to watch the sunrise.  After descending the summit we found out that we had close to 50 mountain goats that decided to play at our campsite... awesome experience.  This hike is difficult, but well worth it.  My Boy Scouts did an awesome job and had an experience they will remember for ever. 

Click on "read more" to view pictures and the map.

Grotto Hike - Payson Canyon

Fun and easy hike up Payson Canyon to take the Cub Scouts or Family on.  The hike in and out is a total of .60 of a mile.  Take your swimming suits, a towel, and a lunch and have fun.  There are no bathroom facilities at the trail-head or at the grotto.

Personal First-Aid Kits

While Camping or Hiking, each Scout should take with them the Basic Essentials.  This includes a Personal First Aid Kit.  Your Personal First Aid Kit will be able to take care of minor injuries, blisters, and scrapes.  Your patrol will want to prepare

Spring Creek Hike and Overnighter

Even though this Hike is 2.5 miles each way, it is one that will challenge your scouts!  Trailhead is located at 250 S 2080 E, Springville, UT.  Within the 2.5 miles you will experience an elevation hike of almost 1,000 ft.  The campsite is located just off of

The Scout Basic Essentials

When going on outings, there are always a few items that you will ALWAYS want to take with you.  These items are called "Essentials". Taking these items will help make an awesome camping or hiking experience.

Scout Basic Essentials:

Hiking Merit Badge

HIKING

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while hiking, including hypothermia, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, frostbite, dehydration, sunburn, sprained ankle, insect stings, tick bites, snakebite, blisters, hyperventilation, and altitude sickness.